Mercury Prize nominees Roller Trio to play in Dewsbury tonight

Roller Trio were an unknown group of students when they first played at Dewsbury and Savile Cricket and Football Club last year.

Tonight they return as contenders for gongs at the Mercury Music Prize 2012 and the MOBO Awards.

They were first persuaded to play at the club by Thornhill Lees photographer Jason Batley, who saw them play in Leeds in July 2011.

He said: “Three young lads came into the venue and were just sitting around on the steps. I presumed they were students and couldn’t afford a drink and that they were just listening to the other band.

“After they had finished, the three lads got up and got on the stage. It turned out that they had been given a short slot by the club to play. They were Roller Trio, an unknown group of music students.

“They absolutely blew everyone away and we actually missed our train home as we couldn’t drag ourselves away from what they were playing!”

Jason, of Lees Hall Road, later shot promotional photographs for the band.

“The only reason I managed to get them to play at the cricket club is because I did their official photos,” Jason said.

“I did the shoot in return for a gig and they pretty much lifted the roof off the place.

“Everyone was amazed at their talent and even non-jazz fans loved them. In fact, what they play isn’t traditional jazz at all. I’m not even sure it has a name – it’s just amazing music.”

The band released their debut album, Roller Trio, in August.

It has since been nominated for a Mercury Album of the Year award, while the band is shortlisted for the best jazz act at this year’s MOBO awards.

They play the cricket club in Park Road for the third time tonight with support from local acts Jasmine Kennedy and Jade Helliwell.

Jason said: “This will be the third time and quite possibly last as they are now playing in large prestigious venues.

“It’s great that they are coming back to Dewsbury for this gig as things have really gone stellar for them recently.”

The gig starts at 8.30pm and Roller Trio are due on stage at around 10.15pm.

Tickets are available on the door for £3.